Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

•The American Journal of Sports Medicine Article
Your Foot Healthcare doctors are some of the most experienced and skilled physicians providing PRP treatments to patients in the Detroit area.


What are Tendons & Ligaments?
Tendons and ligaments connect muscles to bones, making it possible to do all kinds of physical activities. Overuse or damage to tendons over a long period of time causes the collagen fibers that make up the tendons to form small tears, a condition called tendinosis. Ligaments are composed of collagen fibers and hold bones together, stabilizing joints and controlling the range of motion. When a ligament is damaged, it is no longer able to provide support, weakening the joint. Tendons and ligaments have poor blood supply, and they do not easily heal from the damage caused by sprains, strains, and repetitive motion.

Damage to tendons in the lower extremity most often occurs in the ankle, heel, calf, and Achilles tendons. Medical intervention is now possible in a new way.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing, bone regeneration, and repair, promote development of new blood vessels, and stimulate the wound healing process.

How does PRP Therapy Work?
To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and automatically produces the PRP. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 500%.

I've heard of Cortisone Shots; is this the same?
Studies have shown that cortisone injections may actually weaken tissue. Cortisone shots may provide a quick fix for temporary relief and lessening of inflammation, but the doctor can only do them a few times in any area because of this tissue weakening effect. They do not generally provide long term healing. PRP therapy is healing and strengthening for these tendons and ligaments. In some cases, PRP has strengthened and thickened tissue up to 40%.

What are the Potential Benefits of Treatment?
Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery, as well as a remarkable return of function.

How many treatments & How often is this therapy?
While responses to treatment vary, most people will require 3-6 sets of injections. Each set of treatments is spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. There is no limit to the number of treatments you can have, the risks and side effects do not change with the number of injections.

Is PRP right for me?
If you have a tendon or ligament injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It will heal tissue with minimal or no scarring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues. There will be an initial evaluation with the doctor to see if PRP therapy is right for you.
PRP injections can be helpful for treatment of conditions associated with:

•Lower leg
•Ankle & Foot
•Arthritic joints
What can be treated?
PRP injections can be performed in tendons and ligaments all over the body. Sports injuries, arthritic joints, degenerative disease and more specific injuries including, partially torn tendons, shin splints, achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis and may all be effectively treated with PRP.

Are there any special instructions?
You are restricted from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week prior to the procedure and throughout the course of treatments.

Initially the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Most patients only require some extra-strength Tylenol to help with the pain. Ice and heat may be applied to the area as needed.

The first week after the procedure, patients will continue their home or physical therapy program, but aggressive physical activity is discouraged.

How soon can I go back to regular physical activities?
PRP therapy helps regenerate tendons and ligaments but it is not a quick fix. This therapy is stimulating the growth and repair of tendons and ligaments requiring time and rehabilitation. Through regular visits, the doctors of Foot Healthcare Associates will determine when you are able to resume regular physical activities.

Does insurance pay for PRP?
The American Medical Association has not yet established a unique Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code specific to the processing of blood for the creation of the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Hemocyte Graft. As a result,this portion of the procedure is not covered by insurance. Your insurace may, however, cover the other components of this procedure.